firebirdjosh

iTrader: (1)

I can paint cars but I know nothing about compressors. I used to go to my friends shop to do it but thats not happening anymore so I'd like to be able to repaint my rear bumper and whatnot. What would be a good size, cost, brand, etc?

AJT86

the smallest i would use is a 35 gallon. we used to paint cars in my uncles garage with one- then we upgraded to a 90 gallon- makes a biggggg difference, but a 35 will do the job. nothing smaller

firebirdjosh

iTrader: (1)

Oh wow. Well what would be a good size for touchups, maybe just a bumper or spoiler? I don't really have room for a 35 gallon unfortunately so I guess I'm gonna have to hold off.

AJT86

ive used a 13 gallon with a touch up gun. you would be suprised how easy it is to hide a 35 gallon- we built a small soundproof box right outside our garage for our 90 gallon- its great, takes up no room, cant hear it- and supplies sufficient air for 3 stations.

crazyn8

You can use a compressor with a tank smaller than 30 gal. It depends on the compressor output (a constant cfm at a specific psi). I have used a compressor with twin 5 gal tanks and it kept up fine (it was a portable compressor used for air-nailers for house construction), and I used this compressor to paint a whole car. It continuously ran while spraying, but air pressure/velocity stayed constant.

If you are just painting once, why rent the compressor for a day. I rented the above mentioned compressor for $40 a day when my old compressor went out. However, if you are going do a lot of body work, use air tools , etc....I would suggest investing in a good 2-stage 220v, with at least a 6 horse motor.

GMTech

Find out the CFM requirements of the paint gun. Most guns are 10-13 CFM and you'll need a compressor that can supply that much air. If your compressor is rated less than what the gun requires, you'll quickly run out of air and you won't have time for the compressor to build back up.